This article is part of a special issue exploring essential questions about skincare. Discover the full series on our site.
The market is flooded with a myriad of products aimed at brightening, firming, plumping, and smoothing skin. From eye creams and neck creams to serums and capsules, the options can feel overwhelming. Consumers often grapple with choices, questioning whether to opt for ingredients like retinol, ceramide, green tea extract, marine collagen, or pentapeptides.
Experts emphasize the importance of simplicity in skincare routines. “If you have limited time, sticking to a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen will cover about 90% of daily skin care needs,” says a leading skincare chemist. This straightforward approach can help streamline your regimen without compromising on effectiveness.
While cleansing twice daily is ideal, evening cleansing is crucial for removing the accumulation of sweat, oil, pollutants, and makeup. Failing to do so can trigger stress responses in the skin. “It’s essential to cleanse away these residues to prevent dead skin cells from building up,” notes a dermatologist specializing in skincare.
Moreover, there’s no need to invest in expensive cleansers—affordable, soap-free synthetic detergents can effectively cleanse without damaging the skin.
